Morty’s owners purchase Forwell Variety on King Street in Waterloo

Breaking news, the owner of Waterloo’s popular Morty’s pub has purchased the Forwell Super Variety store on King Street just south of University Ave in Waterloo.

This is a high profile retail location, across the street from Wiflrid Laurier University, and just south of one of the busiest corners in Waterloo Region.

Note: Morty’s Pub is not moving from their current location.

Details as follows:

FAREWELL TO FORWELL SUPER VARIETY AFTER 52 YEARS

WATERLOO (March 28, 2012) – Bonnie Forwell Currie, owner of Forwell Super Variety, will serve her final customers on Saturday, March 31st, 2012.

Having served the community since 1960, ‘Forwell’s’ has touched so many residents and students in a very special way. With the landmark Waterloo convenience store sitting at the corner of King and University for over 50 years, Forwell Currie says students would often come in and say goodbye to her before going home at the end of a semester. Saturday will be a chance for her to say goodbye and thanks to the students and all her “regulars”.

“It’s bittersweet to bid farewell to this store over five incredible decades after my father opened it, but my family and I have so many memories to reminisce upon, and we’ve been so touched by the warm stories our longtime customers have been sharing,” Forwell Currie said. “While all good things must come to an end, it is so satisfying to be able to pass the property on to great people who have shown such a commitment to building legacies in our community.”

Forwell’s once had a restaurant downstairs, which is fitting since the new owner of the property is a local restaurant owner with a connection to the Forwell’s location.

Jay Taylor, the owner of Morty’s Pub, says when the opportunity came to purchase Forwells, he couldn’t resist.

“That corner will always mean something to me, it’s full of nostalgia, and memories for me and my family,” Taylor said. “Forwell’s is right next door to our original Morty’s Pub location. My first memories of Forwells are from when I was ten years old, and delivering subs there, with my father who had a catering business. A few years later, in 1981, my Dad opened up Morty’s Pub at King and University, right next to Forwell’s. We later moved the family business a few blocks down the street. We’ve been serving our community now for over 30 years. I plan on making something special out of that location. It means a lot to me, my family, and this community.”

On Saturday, March 31st, Forwell’s Super Variety at 242 King Street North will open its doors for the final day of business before closing up shop on 52 years of service. A farewell party will be held at Morty’s Pub at 272 King Street North at 7 o’clock.